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Police said Jose Mercado Falero, 31, was armed with a gun and robbed a Citizens Bank on Brown Avenue in Manchester on Monday.

"The suspect entered the bank and immediately ordered everyone to the floor," said Lt. James Soucy. "He was waving the weapon around."

A teller told police Falero was yelling for her to give him all the money. Investigators said the teller stuffed his bag with cash, and Falero grabbed the bag and headed for the door.

"After obtaining some cash, he fled and quickly was seen by several passersby in the area, one of which took the initiative to follow the suspect a short distance and gather some really important information," Soucy said.

That eyewitness called police saying he saw a masked man run from the bank to a blue Toyota and then drive onto Interstate 293.

"Within minutes, units located the suspect vehicle and detained a suspect," Soucy said. "They also determined there was a 6-year-old child inside the vehicle with the suspect, unharmed."

Police said that child was Falero's son. Investigators said the boy told police his father wasn't a criminal and that he was just wearing a hat, like a mask.

"He certainly in our opinion placed the child in danger during this incident," Soucy said.

Falero faces felony charges of armed robbery and misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child. His probable cause hearing is scheduled for Aug. 6.